The Last Chance Saloon

I came to your blog few days ago as i am actively looking for ways to migrate to Australia

My scenario is like this. I obtained NTU mechanical engineering 10+ years ago. My result is not good, and didnt manage to get a mechanical engineer job. I have been very frustrating why a singapore institution cert can't even compete with overseas graduate. So i lower down my expectation. I was willing to do a technician and assistant engineer just to hope that i can gain some hands on experience and gradually climb up to engineer. But i was rejected by companies, stating im over qualified for such jobs. And this things ding dong ding dong up to a year. I worked part time...to fund my expense..and to pay back my study loan...etc.

At the end, as my family commitment heightened, i ended up with working as administration and buyer jobs for 10 over years now. Recently, with the desire to gain another knowledge, i just completed and obtained a degree from UWA, (University of western australia) in Biomedical Science, conducted off shored in Singapore PSB.

So now i have 2 degrees on hand. And i have already been very tired and "sian" living in Singapore, since there's no opportunity for me. I hope to change the environment, which is migrating to Australia with much more work balance and natures, and maybe...hide myself.

The problem is..i dont have any "hand-on" or job experience to apply on visa subclass 189. And my age is catching up, within next 3 months, i am turning to 40 years yo...and the point i am going to get, after i am officially 40 yo, will be even lesser....and the hope is ...haiizzzz...

I am feeling helpless. I hope to get some practical advice from. I will be getting IELTS soon in order for me to submit the EOI as soon as possible before i turn into 40 years old

PLssss help to advise. Really appreciate your pattience.

Best Regards,

J C

Hi,

The only person you should approach is a migration agent, not a stranger on the net like me.

However, since we are here, I'll just give you my 2 cents worth. All I ask for is you to tell your younger friends around you have been contemplating leaving Singapore to work elsewhere. Tell them not to delay because our youth is limited. If you had planned for migration 5 years ago and did the right things to align to that goal, your chances would be much higher today. Tell them not to repeat your mistake.

Go to this page [link] if you haven't. Hmm... if you haven't, seriously bro, you have yourself to blame for it. Take a look at this chart.

Factor

Description

Points

Age

18–24 years

25

25–32 years

30

33–39 years

25

40–44 years

15

45–49 years

0

English language ability

Test results must be no older than three years immediately before the day on which the visa application was made.

Nomination by state or territory government or sponsorship by an eligible family member to reside and work in a specified/designated area (visa subclass 489 only)

This chart is the points system and it tells you how many points each category award. You are required to chalk up at least 60 points to be eligible to send in an Express of Interest (EOI). By the time you finally sorted out your stuff, you will be 40 years old and above and henceforth, losing a whooping 10 points from the age category. That is a painful reduction because even a 5 point accumulation can be difficult for many, let alone 10 just like that.

In order to do that, you must find a job as a mechanical engineer or a bio-medical engineer ASAP. This is difficult but this is the last chance saloon, bro. You must accumulate at least 3 years of working experience in either of these fields and send in an EOI when you are 44 years old. That is to gain that extra 5 points for employment that wouldn't be necessary if you haven't lost 10 points for your age. In the meantime, you have to brush up your IELTS and get 20 points from that category. There is no alternative. Do what you must, talk to the mirror or prostitute yourself to an old lady examiner whatever. By hook or by crook.

Both your degrees should be recognised by Australia (check!). An extra degree will not grant you extra points unfortunately. However that 15 points (if your cert is recognised) will be your life saver.

Then you must pray that you are able to get a state sponsorship from one of the states. (prob easier than the above 2 tasks). If all stars align, you will be able to meet these 60 points and I repeat, this is the last chance saloon. That is the only way I can see you qualifying by the book. Else, this way to the boat please.

I hate to repeat myself. You have a mountain to climb but this is the last chance saloon. If I were you, I would burst a gut to die trying. At least if I didn't make it eventually I would tell myself I did my best.

"I left the door unlocked so that you can come in because I love you so much."

- Albany, 21/11/2016

Emails 2017

Hi Nix,

I came across your interesting blog and wish to ask on your honest opinion.

Do you think it's a good idea to pay 6 months worth of house rental in advanced to secure a place to stay before we go over. Our situation makes it a little difficult to look for one in Darwin with 2 dogs that we couldn't leave behind. And we don't have a job there yet. Oh, we have gotten a 489 visa. And we are intending to move somewhere in June with our 2 dogs and an almost 2 year old kid.

Appreciate your intake on this.

Thanks a lot!

Hi Elaine,

The housing market is currently quite depressed so it should not be difficult to find rental properties. I don't think it is a good idea to pay 6 months in advance at all. You shouldn't find it a problem to get one. If you face any difficulties, let me know the details and see if I can give you ideas.

Hi,

Saw your blog while searching on Singaporean based overseas and hopeful can meet a bunch of you all if i ever go over eventually.

For myself after looking at migrating or completing the process before i do not have enough points to qualify.

Basing on my current situation, it seems since my CV is leaning towards the marketing and financial field. Which in this case seems only Adelaide and Darwin is the only option for Subclass 190.

Do you know any fellow Singaporeans based in either place?

Anyway, for me is more towards wanting a more laid back life and changing the environment. Ideal situation would be to work another 10 years before settling with a small farm land in the country in Aussie. But my worry is whether i would be able to secure a job in Aussie especially with my advance in age 38?

Lastly, any good advice for a frog in the well on his migration journey to aussie?

Many thanks in advance

Regards

Stanley

Hi Stanley,

If you cannot qualify for skilled migration on points, you will not be able to work here, unless you find an employer who is willing to hire you for your skill set and apply for a work visa for you. It is unlikely in this economic climate but may be your only chance.

Dear NIx,

Good day!

I have been reading your blog and decided to migrate to Australia.

I have been researching on how to go about migrating to Australia and unfortunately, I seem to have hit a road block, thus writing this email to seek your advice on which type of visa should i apply.

I will be turning 36 next year. BE Chemical Engineering from UNSW (Stayed in Sydney for 2.5 years and graduated in 2008). Msc in Maritime Studies from NTU (Graduating in June 2017). Currently working as a Business Development Manager in the Shipping Industry. I have also attached my CV for your reference.

I am confident of getting 60 points in the Points Test BUT my current job is not on the SOL list.

My mother's cousin is a PR in Australia and she and her family are living in Perth (I do not know whether this information helps)

I was thinking of taking part time courses in ITE in Electrical Wiring, Residential Plumbing or Air Conditioning and Refrigeration since these jobs are on the SOL list.

Any advice will be really appreciated.

Regards,

Colin Soh

Dear Colin,

First thing first, I would like to know how you qualify for 60 points in the Points Test. Will you be able to provide a breakdown ?

*Please note that if your occupation is not on the SOL, you will not be able to claim points for work experience nor academic qualifications.

Hey buddy!

Was scrolling through and landed on your site. Loved the Art of Survival; plain, blunt yet simple.

I'm a local Sporean dude and just got my PR. Currently workin on contract job and planning to move down under. I realise getting a job in Oz from Spore isn't gonna be easy. Thought of giving it a try since its been just a month. Plan B is to just move and get an unpaid internship for 3 mths. Any advise?

Kind regards,

Hi dude,

To be honest, I don't have a single clue about unpaid internship or anything like that. If you manage to get one of those, I will appreciate if you can let us know the details so we can all learn from you.

I apologise for being painfully obvious but if you find it hard to find a job in Australia from Singapore, then come here and look!

Hello,

My name is Adam and I cam across your blog about migrating to Australia. I would love some advice or experience that you can share with me with regards to my questions.

First of all, I am a US bachelor grad in Mechanical Engineering and worked in the US for 2.5 years. I am a Chinese Malaysian and I'm 25 years old by March (2017). Do you have any ideas or suggestions on migrating to Australia? The subclass 189 doesn't allow me to accumulate enough points because of my work experience did not meet the requirement of 3 years which I was told that usually the Australia immigration officer pay the most attention to. If you disagree with that statement, I would like to hear your advice on that.

The other way I thought is by studying my Masters degree there and while studying, I could think of an idea to set up a business there. Didn't research much into this path but if you have experience with this path, I appreciate a lot if you are willing to share.

Thank you very much and hope to hear from you soon,

Regards,

Adam

Hi Adam,

It sounds really simple. Choose the path of least resistance. Work for 3 years to gain your 60 points then! You'll need the funds to relocate anyway.